Urticaria, prurigo, and pruritus

This chapter discusses three important dermatological conditions characterized by severe itching: urticaria, prurigo, and pruritus cutaneous. Each is typified by its own pathomechanism, clinical features, and histopathological findings. Urticaria is diagnosed based on the clinical findings. History taking can point to the suspected cause, such as mechanical stimuli, cold temperature, foods, and drugs. Since urticaria sometimes accompanies systemic diseases, including collagen vascular diseases, it is necessary to rule out these conditions. Prurigo is characterized by intensely itchy papules or small urticarial nodules. Insect bites or allergic or atopic dermatitis legions may cause prurigo, and scratching may aggravate the lesions and cause intractable nodules to form. The two types of prurigo and related disorders are outlined, including acute prurigo, and chronic prurigo. Pruritus cutaneous is characterized by intense itching without eruptions. It is often accompanied by dry skin. Pruritus cutaneous is classified into pruritus universalis and pruritus localis.